[11/16] Preview: Suns of Orpheus and Afrofreque at Sahara Lounge

Tonight at The Sahara Lounge, winner of the Austin Chronicle’s 2012 Best Lounge, is the place to be away from downtown and to hear some great local music. Formerly TC’s Lounge, The Sahara is a intimate neighborhood venue that has opened door for Latin alternative and different multicultural genres to perform. Tonight attendees can experience some of the best Brazilian inspired psychedelic-pop this side of South America along with social conscious party starting hip hop.

Kicking off the party tonight is Austin-based Afrofreque. A world music inspired hip hop and soul influenced fusion band, they bring together elements of soul, reggae, funk and Afrobeat. Their lyrics and message aim to be conscious while creative. Fronted by MC Tigre Liu, Afrofreque are one of Austin’s best hip hop bands.

Fronted by Brazilian funkster and songwriter Frederico Geib, Suns of Orpheus released their new album Amoris Orbita (Love Orbit) in August. For Amoris Orbita, the group worked with Grammy winning saxophonist Phillipe Vieux (Eddie Palmieri) and Martín Perna (AntiBalas-Ocote Soul Sounds). Their music incorporates elements of funk, soul and psychedelic space pop. In addition to being a local favorite of mine, the group has recieved rave reviews from The Austin Chronicle and was a featured artist of popular local video series, The Good Music Club.

The Sahara Lounge is located at 1413 Webberville Rd. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Music starts at 10 p.m. Both bands will be alternating sets throughout the night. 21+ welcome. $5 cover. Free parking. Listen to music from Suns of Orpheus below.

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Austin Vida’s history

Originally, Austin Vida was formed as a promotional company in January 2007 by Brian Stubbs to help bring live Latin music to Austin and create cultural awareness that seemed non-existent in the Live Music Capital of the World. In 2008, Stubbs sought out professional opportunities in another city. Not wanting the Vida brand to die, he passed along ownership rights to a young and motivated group of local Latinos, led by Ian Morales.

The new Austin Vida online magazine launched in January 2009 with the goal of catering to young American-born Latinos, while still being accessible to people of all cultures and ages. The online, English-language publication covers the local Latino music scene as well as touring Latin music acts playing in Austin. Other coverage includes movies, entertainment, the arts and community news. Austin Vida is the lifestyle and entertainment magazine for Latinos in Central Texas.